Keep Mixing Your Algebra
The biggest issue for a lot of boys with algebra is the constant need to jump between methods. In
exams you are not asked ten of the same question, but a mixture. So your brain needs to be able to
jump seamlessly from one method to another.
As discussed in class, I do not expect everyone to undertake all of this home. Some boys have
scholarship papers to be worked through. Some might find a better use of their time is to watch some
of the maths department videos on algebra to see if they help fill a few gaps.
However, others might like to try the following:
1. Simplifying the following:
6a - 2b – 7a + 2b
2. Using the values a = -1, b = -1 and c = -1, evaluate the following: 5b2 - ac
3. Factorise the following as fully as possible:
24x2 – 16x4
4. Multiply out and then simplify the following:
6(a - 2b) – 3(a + 2b)
5. Solve the following equation:
9x – 21 = 42 + 2x
6. Make x the subject of the following formula:
c – bx = a + 5x
7. Simplify the following:
12a7b2 x a5b5
8. Simplifying the following:
3y + 2y2 + xy + y2 + 3y
9. Solve the equation:
x2 – 11x -12 = 0
10.Factorise the following as fully as possible:
20 – 16abc
11.Using the values a = -2, b = -7 and c = 4, evaluate the following: b2c – 2a2b
12.Multiply out and then simplify the following:
2(2a - b) – (2a – b)
13.Make x the subject of the following formula:
8c + x = 3a -7x
14.Solve the following equation:
10x – 3 = 7x - 19
15.Simplify the following:
a7b2 x 7a2b-4
16.Simplifying the following:
12ab – 2a + 4b - ab
17.Make x the subject of the following formula:
7(c – x) = 3d + e
18. Solve the equation:
x2 – 10x + 25 = 0